female bass player

Basslines & Badassery: A Brief History of Female Bass Players

Forget the drums, the guitar, even the vocals – the bass is the heartbeat of any good band. And for decades, women have been laying down those essential grooves, defying stereotypes and proving their power in the music world.

Early Pioneers:

• Carol Kaye (1930-): Often called the “unsung hero” of session bass, Kaye was a pioneer in LA, playing on countless hits from the 60s and 70s, including the iconic “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys. She even had her own all-female rock band, The Rhythm Aces, in the early 60s.
• Kim Deal (1961-): The Pixies bassist wasn’t afraid to be loud, her fuzzed-out bass lines defining the band’s sound and earning her the nickname “the queen of the low end.” Did you know she also wrote “Gigantic,” one of their biggest hits?
• Tina Weymouth (1950-): As one-half of Talking Heads, Weymouth brought a funky, rhythmic edge to their sound, influencing generations of bass players. Fun fact: she’s married to fellow Talking Heads member Chris Frantz, a drummer. Talk about a power couple!

The 80s & 90s: Finding Their Voice

• Gail Ann Dorsey (1957-): A skilled bassist and vocalist, Dorsey worked with David Bowie and Lenny Kravitz, showcasing her versatility and soulful playing.
• Suzi Quatro (1950-): Suzi’s iconic rock n’ roll sound, combined with her fearless stage presence, helped her become a huge star in the 70s and paved the way for future generations of female bass players.
• Meshell Ndegeocello (1969-): Known for her innovative and soulful playing, Ndegeocello has collaborated with everyone from John Mellencamp to Herbie Hancock, proving her talent transcends genres.

Modern Masters & Trailblazers

• Rina Sawayama (1992-): This Japanese-British singer and songwriter brings a distinct flair to her bass playing, combining pop sensibilities with an edge.
• Amythyst Kiah (1984-): A rising star in the folk and blues scene, Kiah’s powerful vocals are beautifully complemented by her skillful bass playing.
• Brittany Howard (1988-): The Alabama Shakes frontwoman is not only a powerhouse vocalist but also a skilled bassist who brings an electrifying energy to her performances.

The Funny Stuff:

• Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers): While not a female bassist, this guy is so famous for his unconventional, acrobatic bass playing, it’s worth mentioning. He once played a bass solo on a trampoline!
• A female bassist once auditioned for a band by playing “Enter Sandman” on a banjo! True story, and she got the gig!

The future of female bass playing is bright! These talented women are breaking down barriers, inspiring young musicians, and reminding us that music is truly a universal language. So next time you’re jamming out, remember to appreciate the power of the bass and the incredible women who make it sing.